Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1887-10-26
CHAPTER VI.
A SUNDAY IN THE COUNTRY

SUNDAY IN THE COUNTRY.
Preston Flat, as We have said, was a
long strip of country almost complete
ly isolated from the rest of the world.
1t was divided into four school districts
lying east and west, up and down the
creek. These districts constitute as
many distinct neighborhoods. Each
had congregation that assembled
once a month at the school-house, for
the purpose of hearing the word of
God. The Flat could only support one
preacher, and it took him one month
to make the round. Rev. Mr.. Ban
croft was one of those pioneer Metho-
dist ministers, who sought by long,
loud sermons and honest hard work to
drive religion into his congregation.
Itwas the third Sunday after Walters
residence with the Miles family that
Mr.. Bancroft was to preach at their
school-house. Great preparations were
made the day before in their way of
cooking, baking and having the house
work completed, so there would be but
little to do on the day following.
Eye are going to meetin' to-day are
We not?" asked John Miles of Walter,
one Sabbath morning.
Il suppose So"
The day was one of those mild,
beautiful autumn days that follow the
first frost. The sun had lost its fierce
heat, yet retained enough warmth to be
comfortable.
Guess, then, ye want horse to
ride, said John, thoughtfully.
''How far is itP''
Nigh on to two miles"
"Do you all go on horseback or in
the wagoniS
''Oh, father and mother'l go in the
buggy; but these young folks prefer a
horse. Ye see teller then is independ-
ent hkei he can just ride wherever he
Walter did not thoroughly under
stand Johns meaning until he had
passed Sabbath at the country
church.
He was furnished q fine, dark bay
horse, saddle and bride and trap
pings, suoh as delight the hearts of
country youth. John and Ben Miles
saddled the most fractions horses on
the farm
Nothing so delights young country
gentleman as to ride a horse. The
wilder the better, and they usually have
them so well trained that the moment
they come in sight of a young lady the
animal, to use their expression, s.be-
gins cuttin' up.s
A more sober animal was saddled for
Pinkey, and Walter was sure that her
beauty was enhanced by the long flow
ing riding habit and jaunty hat.
John and Ben were both busy irving
to mount their half broken steeds. 1t
was no easy matter and required con-
siderable ''woa" "woaing," and stand
still, you little fool" before the feat
could be accomplished.
Walter, seeing that neither one of the
brothers could aid the sister to mount.
led her horse around to the stile, where
she stood like statue of beauty, and
assisted her into the saddle.
MIR. and Mrs Miles were in the omen
buggy driving down the road at an
easy pace, and both John and Ben.
having mounted their steeds, galloped
away more as If they were on a fox
chase than going to church. Their
reckless conduct set Pjnkey's horse to
prancing and Walter sprang into his
saddle and riding at her side took the
rein near the bit and soothed the ami
NAL until he became quiet
Pinkey smiled graciously, and
thanked Walter. They rode along TO-
gether just behind the buggy, which
sent up clouds of dust from the reyolv-
ing wheels.
why do your brothers ride such
unruiy hoFsesp" asked Walter. They
must be dangerous not only 10 them
selves, but the ladies and children who
are travelling along the road"
They are in love with danger" re-
piled Pinkev; Both are reckless as